Putting Daniel Murphy on DL is Right Move for New York Mets

By David Miller

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The news came in this evening that the New York Mets are placing Daniel Murphy on the disabled list with his right calf strain. It certainly is not all that surprising because he has been out of action since Aug. 25. One thing this certainly will do is upset many fantasy owners who love the consistent output that Murphy gives them and the Mets. As far as the Mets are concerned, however, this is the right move.

At the beginning of September with the rosters about to expand anyway, there is no better time to be extra cautious with one of the premier stars that the Mets have. If they are going to make a strong and healthy run at the National League East next season, they will need Murphy at 100 percent to get that done. There is simply no reason to risk further injury by running him out or even continuing to assume it will get better.

This season has been a decent one for the Mets and Murphy. They could have all done better probably, but now is not the time to throw caution to the wind. Wisely the Mets will instead give Murphy the chance to get adequate rest and to get fully healthy while getting a look at some of their younger talent at second base.

After all, we assume Murphy will be with the Mets again next season, but he could end up washed in trade rumors once again this winter. No matter what their plan is for next season, it makes perfect sense to place him on the DL this season, even if he takes the rest of the season off.